Department News
Bowdoin Teacher Scholars Information Session
Tuesday, September 22nd
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
McKeen Center for the Common Good - Banister Hall
Are you interested in teaching?
Want to effect change through education?
Prepare for your first year of teaching through the Education Department's new Bowdoin Teacher Scholars program. Bowdoin Teacher Scholars is an undergraduate and post-graduate program for students interested in receiving training and state certification to teach in public, charter, and independent schools both in the United States and abroad. BTS provides the academic training and practical experience necessary to teach effectively as a first year teacher, while equipping both undergraduate and graduate participants with the knowledge necessary to examine and influence educational policies over time. For more information, contact Lynn Brettler at lbrettle@bowdoin.edu
Brodie Lecture
Melissa Roderick
University of Chicago
Wed., Dec. 2, 2009 7:00 p.m
Kresge Auditorium, VAC
Education
"The end of all education should surely be service to others."
-César Chávez
The Education Department infuses Bowdoin College's spirit of inquiry and commitment to the common good by connecting the history of schooling, educational theories, and pedagogical approaches to the dilemmas facing schools and teachers today. The curriculum broadens and deepens students' understanding of contemporary issues in education, educational foundations, and teaching and learning. Courses at all levels involve a variety of field experiences that engage students in schools and classrooms.
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At each level of the curriculum - from introductory classes to seminars in curriculum and teaching - students are exposed to the three tenets that guide Bowdoin's Education Department:
1. BE AWARE OF THE BIG PICTURE. The study of education sheds light on one of the United States' fundamental public institutions and on the humanistic dimensions of teaching and learning that are vital to constructing a meaningful life. Responsible teaching depends upon a solid background in the social foundations of education.
2. EMBRACE THEORY AND PRACTICE. Effective teaching builds on a strong foundation of content knowledge and thoughtful application of curricular and pedagogical theory to practice. Teachers gain expertise by listening, observing, doing, and reflecting.
3. MODEL AND LIVE IN THE SPIRIT OF INQUIRY. Excellent teachers position themselves as learners of their students and their communities and adjust their pedagogy and curriculum to meet the needs of individuals. Teachers cannot assume that others will learn as they did and do and cannot teach simply as they were taught. Teaching is an intellectually challenging practice that requires on-going learning, self-assessment, collaboration, and research.
Contact Information
Location: 105 Riley House [ campus map » ]
Department Coordinator: Lynn Brettler
Dept. Phone: (207) 725-3465
Dept. Fax: (207) 798-7133